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SmartWool Balaclava
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Extremely cold days call for the best in protection! The soft and snuggly SmartWool balaclava uses pure merino wool to keep you warm while also managing moisture.
- Soft merino wool insulates, wicks away moisture and breathes—naturally!
- Fine merino fibers are soft and flexible and, therefore, don't itch like other wool
- 3-panel design with flatlock seams creates a comfortable, functional fit
- Long length offers excellent coverage
- SmartWool logo on back
Imported.
Item 784560
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SmartWool Balaclava Customer Reviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
- Warm (13)
- Breathable (12)
- Dries easily (9)
- Good protection (7)
- Good size/fit (6)
Cons
Best Uses
- Backcountry (4)
- Sizing:
Feels full size too small
Feels half size too small
Feels true to size
77%
(10 reviews)
Feels half size too big
Feels full size too big
- Reviewer Profile:
- Advanced (4), Intermediate (3)
- Gear Usage:
- Winter sports (6), Cold weather living (5)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (10)
Reviewed by 15 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-10
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Pros
- Breathable
- Dries Easily
- Warm
Cons
- Loose
- Middle Seam
Best Uses
- Cycling
Comments about SmartWool Balaclava:
I picked up this balaclava to replace a light weight helmet liner I had been using as protection for twenty to fifty degree days when cycling seven miles to and from work. I needed something that would be warm while also fitting under a cycling helmet. I chose SmartWool as a brand because I use their socks and the fabric feels great while doing all of the things a wool fabric is meant to do.
Overall, the balaclava feels good. It slips on just fine, has plenty of lenght to cover the neck, and fits under my helmet nicely.
However, the opening was loose on my face. I'd like it to be a little bit more snug and snappy when I pull it up over my nose. Also, I'm not crazy about the seam that runs down the middle of the front of the balaclava. My previous piece had this short-coming and frayed threads right where my mouth met the fabric were annoying. I'm hoping I don't run into that occurance.
I ordered the balaclava through the REI site, as the local outlet was sould out. I'd reccomend trying one on before deciding if it's right for you. I still give the item four stars for warmth and weight.
- Sizing:
- Feels half size too big
- Gear Usage:
- Bicycle Commuting
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Warm
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about SmartWool Balaclava:
Easily fits under a helmet. Very good weight to warmth ratio.
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Breathable
- Dries Easily
- Good Protection
- Warm
Cons
Best Uses
- Skiing
Comments about SmartWool Balaclava:
Used for skiing in cold temperatures this season. Comfortable and warm. Fit was a big large but is thin enough to fit under my helmet.
- Sizing:
- Feels half size too big
- Gear Usage:
- Winter Sports
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Breathable
- Dries Easily
- Good Fit
- Good Protection
- Warm
Cons
Best Uses
- Backcountry
- Cold Weather Bike Commute
Comments about SmartWool Balaclava:
I needed something to cover my face in cold weather while commuting all the time on a bicycle. This item kept me warm and at the same time it didn't over heat my head and retain the warmth and sweat that I produce. I've used it on long rides (50 miles plus) and it was great!
Another benefit of it was that it's not bulky and fits perfectly under my helmet!
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
- Gear Usage:
- Cold Weather Living
Pros
- Breathable
- Dries Easily
- Good Fit
- Good Protection
- No Odor
- Warm
Cons
- Price
Best Uses
- Backcountry
- Bicycling
- hiking
Comments about SmartWool Balaclava:
Just over a year ago I purchased a Smartwool headband for running during cold weather. I discovered the headband worked great for my daily bicyle commute to work, but I really needed something warmer for colder days. I liked my Smartwool headband so much, I decided to try the Smartwool balaclava.
This balaclava is wonderful. It is very thin which works great for cycling as it easily fits under my helmet. It is surprisingly warm considering how thin it is. One morning this week was 23 degrees, and this balaclava kept my head and ears warm, and I am not a warm-natured person.
I use this balaclava for commuting when the temperature drops below the low 40s. I use my Smartwool headband for temperatures in the mid-40s to low 50s. The low 20s is the coldest I have ever ridden with this balaclava, but I believe it would be comfortable into at least the low teens.
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
- Gear Usage:
- Bicycle Commuter
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Breathable
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Warm
Cons
- Chafes or Itches
Best Uses
- Camping or Hiking
- Extreme Conditions
Comments about SmartWool Balaclava:
I love to winter hike and snowshoe...and I'm always froze. I really need to bundle up to keep warm. Stuffing my face down in my jacket or wrapping a scarf around my face was getting old, so I did some research and ordered this balaclava. I love it! It's all wool (which does rub your face a bit but isn't enough so to drop a star) and it keeps my face/nose VERY warm. When I get too warm, I can slip the face portion down under my chin and it stays there. It also stays up on my mouth nose the whole time - it doesn't ride down. I can't get over how warm it keeps me versus how lightweight it is. This is a piece of gear that I'm very glad to have.
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Breathable
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Warm
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about SmartWool Balaclava:
I use this all around when its really cold. Its great for cycling. You can also pull it completly down and use it as a neck protector.
Thanks!
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Breathable
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Warm
Cons
Best Uses
- Bike commuting
- Cool weather road cycling
- Winter running
Comments about SmartWool Balaclava:
Agree the SmartWool balaclava is perfect for cool-weather cycling - I bought my first one over a year ago after trying several other products - this was by far the best! Fits under cycling helmet, and adds a nice layer of warmth cycling in weather 35-60 degrees. Still allows ventilation and when really cold can pull up over my chin. Just bought 2nd one on sale, and this morning doubled them up in 35 degree weather, then rode home with only one balaclava since the weather warmed slightly. Never stinks, dries quickly, and stuffs easily into pocket when not needed.
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Breathable
- Dries Easily
- Good Fit
- Good Protection
- Warm
Cons
Best Uses
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
Comments about SmartWool Balaclava:
Very reluctant about paying [$] for this but and very happy with the quality and comfort of this product. Now when I slip on a standard balaklava, it feels very "plasticy". No itchy or plasticy discomfort. Never gets terribly sweaty, never gets smelly and when it does, dries amazingly fast. Amazing product which I use for cold weather cycling and downhill skiing!
- Sizing:
- Feels true to size
- Gear Usage:
- Cold Weather Living, Winter Sports
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Stylish
Cons
Best Uses
- Backcountry
Comments about SmartWool Balaclava:
A nice, and very comfortable balaclava (much more comfortable than others I've tried). It is pretty large - is swallows my 5' 2" wife. And I do wish it was just a little thicker.
- Sizing:
- Feels half size too big
- Gear Usage:
- Cold Weather Living, Winter Sports
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-10
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